The Arizona Cardinals are at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and azcentral sports' Kent Somers is with them. What's the latest on the Cardinals search for a quarterback? Kent's got some thoughts.
Kent Somers/ azcentral sports

The Arizona Cardinals' defense has been on of the team's strengths so what will new defensive coordinator Al Holcomb look to change in his first season under head coach Steve Wilks?
Sean Logan/ azcentral sports

Monotony defines training camp in the NFL. Good teams have already settled on the bulk of their rosters. There are plenty of repetitions, but not many surprises.

The Cardinals are different. They must slog through five preseason games. Bruce Arians is leaving four practices on the table because the head coach can’t handle that much screaming and cussing. And one of the most anticipated preseason competitions has already been settled, leading to a much bigger question:

Why can’t Drew Stanton be the quarterback of the future?

“He was spot-on against the Raiders,” Arians said. “The ball was out of his hands quick, to the right guy and very accurate. And he’s healthier than he’s been in a year and a half.”

Stanton’s performance in his first exhibition game was more than solid. It was the best he’s ever looked in a Cardinals uniform. He was decisive, full of swagger, energy and ambition. He countered Blaine Gabbert’s excellent debut with something even more substantial.

This is where the story gets interesting.

Arians recruited Stanton with the intention of giving the career backup his first real shot as a starting quarterback in the NFL. That all changed with the acquisition of Carson Palmer, a master stroke from General Manager Steve Keim, who wasn’t all that comfortable with the handpicked quarterback Arians was importing from his time in Indianapolis.

Over time, Stanton’s best qualities have marginalized his talents. While his father wasn’t pleased with the vanished opportunity in Arizona, Stanton accepted his fate and focused on being a good teammate. He valued culture and camaraderie over individual goals. He listens, contributes and doesn’t freelance. He’s been content to be a role player in a really good show.

Then came the offseason text from Arians in 2017:

“Hey, give me a call when you get a chance. I want to fill you in on what we’re doing. I don’t want you to be blindsided.”

“I’m not naïve,” Stanton said. “I hear the talk that they’re looking for the quarterback of the future. I’m 33 years old. I want to be a starting quarterback in this league. But at the same time, there’s a need to get a young guy in here.”

Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton throws against the Raiders in the second quarter on Saturday in Glendale.(Photo: David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports)

Stanton is more than just a good cheerleader and sideline dancer. More than a reserve quarterback who skillfully managed a Thursday night road game in San Francisco last season, resisting the urge to use the platform for his advantage. He knows the climate in Arizona, including the team’s desire to find the next franchise quarterback, avoiding the same pitfalls when Kurt Warner suddenly retired in 2010.

Many believed Arians' deep sense of loyalty would be all that Stanton needed to keep his job. During his tenure, Arians has stood by inferior kickers and punters, almost to the point of incredulity. He refused to point the finger or replace his good friend, special teams coach Amos Jones. It was assumed that Arians would do the same with Stanton, who followed the head coach to Arizona and has been waiting three years for his opportunity.

But the arrival of Gabbert sparked something different in the backup quarterback, who never looked at the newcomer as a short-term threat. Stanton is a free agent after this season, and he knows he isn’t competing for a backup job in 2017. He’s playing for his football future.

That’s why he looked so different against the Raiders.

“I think it’s always important when you get a chance to go out there and play,” Stanton said. “That’s your resume. Unfortunately, I didn’t play well last year in the preseason sometimes. And that’s what you rely on when you’re someone in my position, the live reps you get.

“Sometimes you get a false sense of security throughout training camp when you’re not getting hit and that kind of stuff. It’s great to get out there, accomplish what you want, and get knocked around a little bit.”

Stanton is proof that nothing can motivate a football player like competition inside the locker room, even on a team as unified as the Cardinals. Look no further than the wide receivers, a group that arrived in camp with Arians’ blessing, only to be excoriated for their lack of urgency.

The remainder of the preseason is no longer a formality at the quarterback position. If Stanton continues to shine, he will do more than attract potential suitors in 2018. He might prove he’s the perfect candidate to lead the Cardinals once Palmer retires. After all, few people on the planet understand the offense and Arians’ tendencies better than Stanton.

“As a backup, all we can be judged on is going in there and trying to put our team in the best position to win,” Stanton said. “If that means just managing a game, that’s what I’ll do. But a lot of my responsibilities go unnoticed, and I’m completely OK with that. I prefer that …

“I’ve gotten to the point in my career where I don’t need accolades for what I’m doing. I just want to do my job, and the right people will notice when they need to.”

Stanton gets another shot Saturday against the Bears, a chance to enhance his reputation, resume and leverage. It’s also a chance to prove the future isn’t the athletic, strong-armed kid who was once a top-10 draft pick.

Arizona Cardinals tight end Ricky Seals-Jones goes up to catch a pass as linebacker Philip Wheeler tries to defend at practice at University of Phoenix Stadium, Wednesday, August 23, 2017.
Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

Cardinals Jaron Brown (13) makes a catch and turn to run past Sojourn Shelton (23) during Training Camp at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on August 21, 2017.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Cardinals' Trevor Knight plays with a ball on the sidelines as he waits to run plays during Cardinals Training Camp at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on August 17, 2017.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) jokes around with teammates during Cardinals Training Camp at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on August 17, 2017.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald tosses the ball to a trainer after making a catch during Cardinals Training Camp at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on August 17, 2017.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Cardinals coach Tom Moore jokes with Larry Fitzgerald about his throw during Cardinals Training Camp at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on August 17, 2017.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Cardinals' Troy Niklas (87) runs as teammate Tramon Williams (37) comes up for a tackle during Cardinals Training Camp at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on August 17, 2017.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Cardinals' Chris Johnson (23) runs after getting a handoff from Drew Stanton during Cardinals Training Camp at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on August 17, 2017.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Cardinals Patrick Peterson (21) misses coming up with a catch while wearing a go-pro on his helmet during practice at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on August 10, 2017.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Retired Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner works on the sidelines for NFL Network during training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. August 8, 2017.
Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Arizona Cardinals players including quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) who will see action against the Cowboys, head to their outdoor practice Tuesday, Aug.1, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz.
David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports